ELM System

In development for over four years and guided throughout by input from first response and geospatial experts who participated in national, state and local focus groups, USNG Emergency Location Markers (ELM’s) offer a way for communities to mark locations such trail intersections, camp sites, buildings, boat landings, and other response locations with a marker that works with GPS, is location specific, unique across jurisdictions, and is nationally consistent. Additional background about this effort can be learned by clicking here.

Below find information about components of the ELM system. Exact specifications for most of these items are incorporated in the “Specifications Document” which is available from the “Support Materials” page, this section. Vendors who have the technical capability to produce these items can be found by clicking here (pending).

Emergency Location Markers

Metal ELM: With an estimated life expectancy of 10 years, the metal ELM is factory made using engineer grade reflective laminate over .081 aluminium. There are three standard sizes:

12×12 – To conform with various Department of Natural Resources and park system specifications for posting in/on structures such as trail shelters.

12×9 – To conform with various marking standards for ATV, snowmobile and motorcycle trails.

6×9 – To support “sign pollution” reduction standards for hiking, cross country skiing and bicycle trails.

Plastic ELM: With an estimated life expectancy of 7 years, the plastic ELM is factory made using engineer grade laminate over .05 rigid plastic. As noted above for the metal ELM, there are three standards sizes.

Blank ELM: All three sizes of the metal or plastic ELM can be produced as blanks which can then be used to facilitate local “on demand” production of original markers or replacements. There are two versions:

ELM without any USNG coordinate component pre-printed on the sign (example shown).

Related Items

“About” Sign:Designed as an informational outreach to go along with an ELM system deployment, this sign can be placed at prominent locations like a trail head to help individuals understand the intent and use of the ELM system in that area. 12 x 12 size only. Currently in final phase of development.

E9-1-1 Stickers: To allow for circumstances where a unit of governmentmay have a locally unique approach to handling E9-1-1 calls, ELM’s have been designed to allow the application of stickers over the pre-printed E9-1-1 ELM text. Special order item, two sizes:

For 12 x 12 and 12 x 9

For 9 x 6

Easting/Northing Numbers: To facilitate local production of ELM’s, or their field repair, ELM’s have been designed to allow application of pre-cut blue laminate numbers on a blank or damaged ELM easting/northing number block. Two sizes:

For 12 x 12 and 12 x 9

For 9 x 6

Grid Zone/100,000m Square Stickers: To facilitate local production of ELM’s, or their field repair, ELM’s have been designed to allow application of stickers over a blank or damaged Grid Zone/100,000m Square designator. Two sizes: